Seeking recommendations for groups in the DC Metro/MD area that organize backpacking trips!

[ErinH]

Hi - 

Does anyone have recommendations on DC Metro or Maryland area groups that organize backpacking trips?

Thanks !

[REI-JenK]

@ErinH thanks for posing this question to our community! We're going to tag a few folks (community members and REI employees) we know in that area for their ideas - @Rob6, @REI-CaitiA, @REI-AliciaG - any suggestions?!

[Rob6]

Thanks for tagging me @REI-JenK .  I don't belong to a formal hiking club.  It's just an informal group of friends.  We have, however, participated with some local groups on various occasions.  Not sure exactly where you're located, but here are some groups that might be of interest.  

We are close to the PA line, north of Baltimore, and some southern PA groups we've hiked with, and done trail maintenance with are: LancasterConservancy.https://www.lancasterconservancy.org/   ;                                                     York Hiking Club  https://www.yorkhikingclub.com/

Central PA Conservancy  http://www.centralpaconservancy.org/

And in the DC area there is the Wanderbirds.  http://www.wanderbirds.org/

And if you are more informal, like us, feel free to reach out.

Good luck!

[Philreedshikes]

There are several well established backpacking groups in that area, look at meetup.com and the local Appalachian trail club.

good luck!

[ErinH]

Thank you !

ill give it a go

[REI-CaitiA]

Hey @ErinH ! Great that you're checking out local backpacking! In reference to @Philreedshikes 's recommendations (excellent choices Phil), Here is the local PATC home page. The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club is our local AT club that covers over a hundred miles of the AT. While they, too, are experiencing some organizational challenges amidst our current environment, they're another good place to start to find out where the local groups are. We partner extensively with them in some of our in-store programming. Good luck, hike on!

[JoWestbury]

Thanks for asking this question. I'm in Silver Spring looking for the same!

[Jond31687]

Great falls is a beautiful place for some light hiking and biking, and the waterfalls are amazing!